Acquisition will make selling parts online easier for parts distributors and dealers, and provide auto enthusiasts with an even more robust selection of replacement, specialty, racing and vintage parts

eBay Motors announces the completion of its acquisition of WHI Solutions (WHI), a provider of software and digital catalog solution for auto parts distributors and retailers. With the new partnership, it’s now even easier to sell, source and purchase a wide variety of auto parts on eBay Motors, the premier marketplace for all things automotive.

eBay Motors now has the foundation to expand its catalog from auto replacement parts to specialty equipment, racing performance and vintage parts to meet the needs of the automotive enthusiast. Listing inventory online is now even easier for parts distributors and dealers, due in large part to listing fields that automatically populate with a description, image and vehicle application data.

Auto parts are the last frontier of goods to come online – in 2011, only 11.8% of all purchases happened online – roughly half the penetration of book purchases in 2009. There is a huge opportunity for dealers and parts distributors to find the customers searching for their specific inventory via the online channel. For example, parts distributor TBA Oil & Warehouse has seen a 13 – 15% growth in its business when it moved its inventory online, as well as a rise in sales growth among local service businesses.

eBay’s acquisition signifies the strong demand for online parts:

• eBay sellers alone increased global parts and accessories sales (GMV) in FY 11 by 20%
• More than 22M parts are available on eBay Motors at any given time
• In Q4-11, the worldwide Gross Merchandise Volume for the Parts & Accessories category on eBay Motors was approximately $1.5 billion.

WHI offices will remain in New York, New Jersey and Los Angeles at this time, and WHI’s talent, technology and client base will smoothly be integrated into eBay Motors.

About eBay Motors

eBay Motors, a part of eBay Inc., is the Internet’s largest marketplace for buying and selling all things automotive. The site offers everyday cars for everyday drivers, as well as collector cars, motorcycles, auto parts and accessories. Nearly 4.5 million new and used vehicles have been sold on eBay Motors, and there are more than 22 million automotive parts and accessories available on eBay Motors at any given time.